[04/13/09 - 03:00 PM]Sundance Channel Announces Acquisition of Two Series from Down UnderAmong the acquisitions: "Chandon Pictures," the critically-acclaimed series about the antics of a deluded documentary filmmaker.

[via press release from Sundance]

SUNDANCE CHANNEL ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF TWO SERIES FROM DOWN UNDER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York - April 6, 2009 - Christian Vesper, SVP, Acquisitions, IFCtv and Sundance Channel, announced today the acquisition of two Australian series, "Chandon Pictures" and "Is Your House Killing You?" both of which will make their US television premieres on Sundance Channel. "Is Your House Killing You?", the illuminating make-over show about toxins in the home, will air this year as part of THE GREEN, Sundance Channel's programming destination devoted entirely to the environment. Joining the network's Sunday night comedy line-up "Knock Knock" in 2010 is "Chandon Pictures," the critically-acclaimed series about the antics of a deluded documentary filmmaker. These series join five other series acquired for 2009 � "Carbon Cops", "Ladette to Lady" (Season 3), "Shameless" (Season 5), "e� design", and "Live From Abbey Road" (Season 3).

"The acquisition of these two series is a continuation of Sundance Channel's strategy to bring the best and most creative programming from around the world to our line-up of series � whether it's a serious investigation of household toxins or a laugh-out-loud take on the world of filmmaking. The series we acquire complement our slate perfectly, especially our original series," said Vesper.

Sundance Channel's acquisitions department is headed up George Lentz, SVP, Scheduling, Operations and Acquisitions, IFCtv and Sundance Channel, and Christian Vesper, SVP, Acquisitions, IFCtv and Sundance Channel. Vesper's team is Ian Bricke, Sr. Director, Acquisitions, IFCtv and Sundance Channel and Gail Gendler, Sr. Director Acquisitions, IFCtv and Sundance Channel. The deals were negotiated by Vesper and Bricke with Rand Stoll of Lionsgate on behalf of "Chandon Pictures" and Anthony Appell at RDF Rights on behalf of "Is Your House Killing You?"

ACQUIRED SERIES

CHANDON PICTURES (16x30) (US TELEVISION PREMIERE, airing as part of "Knock Knock" in 2010)

Seasons 1 and 2 of this critically acclaimed mockumentary-style comedy series follow the adventures of Tom Chandon and his video production company � Chandon Pictures. Tom's portfolio doesn't extend much beyond weddings and kids' birthday parties � but he's a dreamer. With the help of his loyal cameraman, a pragmatic producer and a good dose of self-delusion, Tom manages to twist each client's brief to cater to his own documentary-making dreams. "Chandon Pictures" is written by, created and stars Rob Charlton.

IS YOUR HOUSE KILLING YOU? (8x30) (US TELEVISION PREMIERE June 2, 2009, airing as part of THE GREEN)

In this groundbreaking scientific makeover show, families are invited to take up the challenge of "detoxing" their homes. Their houses may look clean to the naked eye, but lurking in corners, carpets, mattresses and wall cavities are hidden biological and chemical dangers. Hosts Dr. Peter Dingle and Cedric Cheong lead the team of scientific experts as they work through a diverse range of homes in a CSI-style investigation. However great the challenge, the team comes up with a makeover plan to rid homes of toxic time bombs, and gives great DIY tips along the way. An Essential Viewing Production.

2009 ACQUIRED SERIES, PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

CARBON COPS (6x30) � April 21, 2009

Our Carbon Cops, Lish Fejer and Sean Fitzgerald, scientists who are passionate about the environment, show us how we can all make the necessary changes to reduce domestic carbon emissions, and the good news is that it's not that hard to achieve. In this reality-style show we follow six families who are led through a fascinating step-by-step process of auditing their current use of energy and learning that a few simple changes to their lifestyle can make a huge difference. Produced by December Films, Fremantle Media and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

LADETTE TO LADY � Season 3 (5x60) - May 2009

A group of British "ladettes" - aggressive, working-class party girls - check into Eggleston Hall, a former finishing school, in a competition to turn them into ladies, skilled in genteel conversation, elegant cooking and the womanly arts. In Season 3 the ladettes' final challenge is to be presented as debutantes to their parents, to make a speech and to dance the waltz. Produced by Grant Mansfield and Rod Williams of RDF Media.

LIVE FROM ABBEY ROAD (12x60)

In 2009 Sundance Channel will premiere the third season of the original music series "Live From Abbey Road". Filmed at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios, the critically acclaimed series features performances and interviews with an eclectic variety of new and established A-list musicians. Each one-hour episode offers three acts and a unique insight into the process of making music as the artists rehearse, discuss their work and build toward the final exclusive performance. Confirmed artists for the show's third series include Lyle Lovett, Seal, Fleet Foxes, Keane, The Killers and The Fray. The launch of season three coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Beatles' famous album, Abbey Road. In tribute, "Live From Abbey Road" will pay homage by featuring exclusive recordings of tracks from that album by modern artists. Produced by Michael Gleason. FremantleMedia Enterprises distributes the show internationally.

e� design (6x30) � November 2009

Narrated by Brad Pitt, "e� design" explores the pioneers and innovators in the field of sustainable architecture, and how their work is producing solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. The series features compelling stories from around the globe. Each episode examines the built environment's effects � both ecological and social � and the design innovations that can reduce buildings' contributions to climate change. Season 1 will air in 2009 and Seasons 2 and 3 will air in 2010. Produced by PBS.

SHAMELESS � Season 5 (8 x60) � November 2009

Sundance Channel welcomes back Manchester's anarchic Gallagher clan for a new season of scams, surprises and flagrant impropriety. The BAFTA Award-winning British comedy series is based on the childhood of creator Paul Abbott ("Cracker") and Season 5 continues to follow the Gallagher family, where patriarch Frank (David Threlfall, Hot Fuzz) has become a drunk and negligent father after the mother of his six children abandoned the brood.

SUNDANCE CHANNEL

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

RAINBOW MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.